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In Vitro Colony Assays for Characterizing Tri-potent Progenitor Cells Isolated from the Adult Murine Pancreas
Published on: June 10, 2016
A perspective on pancreatic stem/progenitor cells
1Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street - WEL 320, Boston, MA 02114, USA. jhabener@partners.org
Abstract:
The prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing throughout the world along with the ensuant morbidity and early mortality because of premature microvascular and macrovascular disease. Current insulin and drug therapies control diabetes, but do not cure it. Cell-based therapies offer the possibilities of a permanent cure for diabetes. Recently, success in the transplantation of pancreatic islets in the livers of type 1 diabetics has afforded the opportunity for a potential cure. However, the severe shortage of donor islets for transplantation limits the usefulness of this therapy. One approach is to exploit the use of stem cells, either embryo-derived or adult tissue-derived, as substrates to create islet tissue suitable for transplantation. Cells isolated from embryo blastocysts and from adult pancreas, liver, and bone marrow can be expanded extensively in vitro and differentiated into islet-like clusters that produce insulin, and, in some instances, can achieve glycemic control when transplanted into streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. It is, now, also possible to envision the direct systemic administration of stem cells that would home in on and regenerate injured islets, or to administer stem cell stimulators that would enhance endogenous pancreatic stem cells to expand and differentiate into functional, insulin-producing beta-cells. This perspective discusses the potential applications of cellular medicines, in the new discipline of regenerative medicine, to achieve a cure for diabetes.
Insights
Cell-based therapies, including stem cells, show promise for curing type 1 and type 2 diabetes by regenerating insulin-producing cells. This regenerative medicine approach offers a potential permanent solution beyond current diabetes management. Keywords: stem cells, diabetes cure, regenerative medicine, insulin-producing cells.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Cellular Therapy
Background:
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence is rising globally, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Current treatments manage diabetes but do not offer a cure, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Pancreatic islet transplantation shows potential but is limited by donor organ scarcity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine for achieving a permanent cure for diabetes.
- To discuss the application of stem cells in generating functional, insulin-producing beta-cells for transplantation.
- To consider future directions in stem cell administration for islet regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing embryo-derived or adult tissue-derived stem cells (from pancreas, liver, bone marrow) for in vitro expansion and differentiation into islet-like clusters.
- Transplanting these differentiated cells into streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice to assess glycemic control.
- Investigating strategies for direct stem cell administration or stem cell stimulator use to enhance endogenous pancreatic stem cells.
Main Results:
- Stem cells can be expanded and differentiated into insulin-producing islet-like clusters.
- Transplanted cells have demonstrated the ability to achieve glycemic control in diabetic mouse models.
- Potential exists for in vivo regeneration of injured islets through targeted stem cell therapy.
Conclusions:
- Cellular medicines and regenerative medicine offer a promising pathway toward a functional cure for diabetes.
- Stem cell-derived therapies can overcome the limitations of donor islet availability.
- Future research may focus on systemic stem cell delivery or stimulation of endogenous repair mechanisms for diabetes treatment.
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